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Movie of the Day: The Beast (2023) by Bertrand Bonello

Writer's picture: dailyentertainment95dailyentertainment95
1 day ago3 min read

"The Beast" (French: "La Bête") is a 2023 science fiction romantic drama directed by Bertrand Bonello. The film is a loose adaptation of Henry James's 1903 novella "The Beast in the Jungle" and features performances by Léa Seydoux and George MacKay.

Wikipedia

Plot Summary:

Set in a near-future society where artificial intelligence has become pervasive, the narrative follows Gabrielle (Léa Seydoux) as she undergoes a procedure to cleanse her DNA of strong emotions, believed to be the final obstacle to achieving a state of absolute rationality. This process leads her to relive past lives, spanning from 1910 to 2014, where she repeatedly encounters a man named Louis (George MacKay). As Gabrielle delves deeper into these past existences, she becomes increasingly entangled in a timeless love story, challenging her perceptions of reality and emotion.

Director's Vision:

Bertrand Bonello envisioned "The Beast" as a meditation on the interplay between emotion and rationality, exploring how technological advancements influence human connections. By weaving together multiple timelines and blending genres, Bonello aims to challenge viewers' perceptions of love, memory, and identity. The film's structure reflects the fluidity of time and the enduring nature of certain human experiences.

Themes:

  • Emotion vs. Rationality: The narrative examines the tension between human emotions and the pursuit of rational perfection, questioning the cost of suppressing feelings in favor of logic.

  • Temporal Fluidity: By traversing different eras, the film highlights the timelessness of certain human experiences and the cyclical nature of existence.

  • Identity and Memory: Gabrielle's journey through her past lives prompts reflections on how memories shape identity and the essence of the self across time.

Key Success Factors:

  • Stellar Performances: Léa Seydoux delivers a nuanced portrayal of Gabrielle, capturing the complexities of a character navigating multiple lifetimes and emotional landscapes.

  • Innovative Narrative Structure: The film's non-linear storytelling challenges traditional narrative forms, engaging audiences in a multifaceted exploration of its themes.

  • Visual and Aesthetic Excellence: Cinematographer Josée Deshaies crafts distinct visual styles for each timeline, enhancing the film's atmospheric depth and aiding in temporal transitions.

Short Summary:

"The Beast" is a science fiction romantic drama that follows Gabrielle as she undergoes a procedure to eliminate strong emotions, leading her to relive past lives and

Awards, and Nominations: 9 wins & 22 nominations

"The Beast" premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2023, as part of the official competition. It was released theatrically in France on February 7, 2024, by Ad Vitam and in Canada on April 19, 2024, by Maison 4:3. The film received critical acclaim, winning Best Picture, Best Director for Bertrand Bonello, and Best Actress for Léa Seydoux at the 29th Florida Film Critics Circle Awards on December 20, 2024.

Critical Reception:

Critics have lauded "The Beast" for its ambitious narrative and thought-provoking themes. Rotten Tomatoes describes it as a "visually audacious" film, highlighting Bonello's distinctive directorial approach.

 The Criterion Channel emphasizes the film's exploration of "doomed love" through an "epoch-spanning tale," underscoring its emotional depth and narrative complexity.

Box Office Performance:

US & Canada lifetime gross: $413,978 Worldwide lifetime total gross: $751,851

Production Details:

  • Production Companies: Les Films du Bélier, My New Picture, Sons of Manual, Arte France Cinéma

Distribution and Sales:

The film was distributed in France by Ad Vitam and in Canada by Maison 4:3. International sales were managed by Kinology, facilitating its presence in various film festivals and markets.




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